Under a tenth of individuals eligible to benefit from weight-loss injections like Wegovy have access to them, warns the global health agency as it issues its inaugural recommendations on the medications.
With more than one billion individuals worldwide now classified as obese, it is calling for more widespread and fairer access to this class of drugs.
Based on estimates, over two billion are projected to be living with obesity by 2030 unless action is taken.
"The new guidance recognises that obesity is a lifelong illness that can be addressed with comprehensive and continuous support," said WHO director-general Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
Substantial prices, insufficient output, and distribution challenges are key hurdles to broad access to the injections that can aid individuals in losing considerable weight, notes the agency.
GLP-1 Therapy Scarcity
Despite the current best projected scenario, the supply of these medications would only suffice for approximately 100 million people – under 10% of the global need, according to the health organization.
The recommendation calls on nations and manufacturers to increase access, through measures including licensing agreements.
Exclusive production rights on the active ingredient – the primary component of a leading brand – is scheduled to end in multiple countries in 2026.
The Way Weight-Loss Injections Work
GLP-1 drugs imitate a natural hormone to slow digestion, suppress the appetite and enhance feelings of fullness so individuals reduce food intake.
Individuals typically see weight reduction within a few weeks of commencing the weekly injections.
Evidence points to patients may regain a significant portion after a year of halting the treatment, when their typical appetite come back.
Being overweight or obese raises your risk for contracting medical conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular issues, brain attack, and specific cancers.
Excess weight affects individuals in every country and was associated with over three and a half million deaths worldwide in 2024, as per the WHO.
